Chez Nous

Reviews 7

A

A Private User

There are several restaurants located on Sixth Street that serve average food but at this place you can get average food at high prices, including poor service. It had been several years since I had been to Chez Nous (there is a reason it was forgettable) so we decided to visit this place again for a nice, long lunch. The restaurant was only ¼ full the day we visited for lunch (about 1:00), so the waiter told us to sit anywhere we wanted. Upon seating at a four-top table, he immediately came over and chastised us for not choosing to sit at a smaller table, “since we are not busy today”, he sniffed, “I will let you sit there.” The wild mushroom soup we ordered was better than expected: rich, creamy with a wonderful blend of spices, but it was a lone standout. The sad salad was prepared with lettuce greens, a couple of lonely grape tomatoes and a bland, watery vinegar and oil dressing, suitable to be served at a hospital or nursing home. The seafood crepes were overwhelmed by the strong taste of alcohol from the sherry. The spinach crepes were okay, but nothing different from the crepes you can get for much cheaper at dozens of other restaurants in town. The tea, water and coffee glasses sat empty throughout most of the meal. Toward the end of finishing our entrees, we did see our waiter again, reeking from cigarette smoke, who was dismayed when we asked to see a dessert menu. The house chocolate mousse was somewhat stiff and not very fluffy. The profiterolles were okay but this dish, like the others we had, was not memorable by any means and no specific words come to mind to describe it. The ambiance of the place is best suited for night time dining, the “wear and tear” of the furniture, stained tablecloths and drab interior are less noticeable. The expensive lunch was about $65 (no alcoholic drinks) and I left wanting to call the police to report this mugging. By reading some of the other reviews, it appears that Chez Nous has a select, strong following. I suppose if you are part of this select group, you may receive better service and better food as for the rest of us, Chez Nous is Chez Not us

---

MA

Marshall Jones

Downtowns best kept secret is hardly in a hidden location. One block from the Convention Center and the cities busiest hotel, this is not a tourist trap. Chez Nous has a long history of doing three things and doing them very, very well. They have the perfect recipe that locals come back for time and time again: Great french food, the best wine list in Austin and very friendly service (even if they are French :)). The prix fixe menu is always a great option and you can choose from pate, country pate or a mousse for variety. My favorites are the escargot prepared peasant style and I can hardly ever pass up the sweetbreads which are prepared differently each night to the chefs liking. Many who visit Chez Nous will disagree with me about my assertion it is the best wine list in Austin but let me make my argument: The list is all French which only makes sense to me in a French restaurant as it is made to pair with the regional cuisine. Second, they did not used to even name the producer of the wine, just the region of origin which I prefer as it puts the clients trust in the sommelier to make the best decision for the money and they have consistently delivered on that promise! Pro tip: You can have the chef prepare the sweetbreads to your liking if you have a preference. I suggest lightly breaded and fried with an orange reduction (one of their typical styles I learned at Chez Nous. Pro tip 2: If you dine on sunday night, the line of locals starts at 6:15pm and they do not take reservations.

---

KR

Kris Umlauf

This place was great. I loved the quaint atmosphere and French decor (mainly replica vintage posters, product labels, etc.). The dainty vases of fresh flowers on each table were a nice touch. They have a good selection of wines by the glass and I liked the uncomplicated menu selections. We both chose the pre-fixe dinner. I had the pate of the day, a delicious ruby red trout dish, and a caramel desert (basically flan). My companion had a salad (simple, with a delicious dressing), the chicken dish, and chocolate mousse. My fish was the better dish of the two, but everything was quite good. The only negative about this place is they dont take reservations except for parties of 6+ and the only indoor waiting option is the length of the crowded bar, which offers no seating. So it is best to come early if you dont want to wait too long.

---

JA

Jason Adams

Of all places I travel I would have never thought Id find fantastic French food in Austin, TX. I have been fortunate to travel to France more than once and very much enjoyed the food. Walking into Chez Nous was like being in France. I chose a simple dish, Trout with a red wine reduction and wild mushrooms. Something you might think easy to make at home, true. But to make it amazing is a different story. The fish was prepared perfectly, the sauce was smooth and sweet, the mushrooms added some earthiness. I would say my best meal in the past year of travels. The staff took the time to even recommend an aperitif to go with my creme brulee which was a great pairing and wonderful ending to a simple French meal. I would go back over and over the next time in Austin. Cost...bit high, but worth it.

---

MI

Michael

Ça va pas la peine de dîner ici si vous êtes soit français ou soit quelquun qui veut goûter la vrai bouffe française. Leurs rillettes ont eu aucune goût et leur pain était tout dur! À ma surprise par contre notre "waiter" était un parisien! À mon avis il vaut mieux garder votre argent et profiter de la bouffe texane, ça peut vous étonner parfois! Bon ap les copains! ;)

---

TU

Tuan Pham

There is much better French food in Austin than chez nous. The total for 5 people with 2 appetizers and prix fixe and 2 bottles of wine (30 range) was >$350. For the prix fixe, the main entree I tried was the bifteck -- this was the worst bifteck I have had and didnt even finish it; it was akin to ground hamburger meat that I could get for 4 dollars at HEB. The sirloin my wife had was much better and suggested as a much better alternative. For about 70 dollars per person for dinner, I just expect more. Perhaps the non prix fixe time are a lot better to garner the ratings that this place does. Also we had to ask for different fm wine glasses when switching from white to red bottle..... Not very French to use the same glasses.

---

RO

Robyn Jamison

Went this evening with two dear friends. Cozy, simply atmosphere. We all loved our meals, from the salades to spinach soup, cheese plate, crusty French bread. The trout meunière was delectable, the vegetables perfection. The scallops were huge and succulent but we asked for them to be cooked a bit more for our American palates (which they graciously did for us). The service was perfect. We ordered one chocolate mousse for the table and it was enough for all of us to enjoy. The whole meal and experience were amazing - and the mousse was the piéce de résistance - rich, very dark, just the right touch bitter chocolate, light creamy texture. Yum! I look forward to the next great excuse to revisit this gem!

---

---